For three days earlier this week, I took part in my first ever BuffaloGolfer golf journey. Every summer members of the staff head out to various parts of the country (Wisconsin, Michigan, Virginia, etc.) to play and review courses. It’s a vacation with a bit of work mixed in. This year, the trip took the team to Long Island to play a number of different public and private courses including all five at Bethpage State Park.
Come this weekend, when I’ve a bit more time to wrap my head around the experience, I’ll post in detail about the pleasure it was to play such brilliantly designed courses. I have seen many incredible golf courses (Baltusrol, Medinah, Harbour Town) but none of those match up to Bethpage Black.
I’ll admit I’m partly biased. The 2002 U.S. Open is still the most memorable major championship I’ve ever watched. Having the chance to walk the fairways that Tiger, Phil and Sergio walked during that epic, rainy, windy battle was a treat in and of itself. My scores were less delightful, but not even 18 quadruple bogeys could have spoiled the fun I had earlier this week.
I promise longer thoughts and reviews on the courses we played, but for now…some quick hits:
~ I’ll never understand how the world’s best golfers stand on the first tee Sunday at a major championship and deliver a great shot. I’ve always been nervous on the first tee. That held true at Bethpage. There weren’t thousands of people watching me in person and millions around the world, but there were usually a few guys in carts, a starter and a random maintenance worker. As I stood on the first tee of Black, I just kept thinking to myself…”how do those guys do it?”
~ Both Bethpage Red and Black are physical beasts of courses. It’s no joke when you hear the golf media talk about how much the courses can take out of players physically. Long holes, elevation changes…it just wears on you. Just walking these courses would be a strenuous hike.
~ My favorite hole on Black is the Par 5 4th. When I reached the third green and turned to see the 4th hole, I was stymied. It looked like a mountain that deserved a castle atop it. There were bunkers to the left and to the right. That hole alone makes the course majestic.
~ I made par on the 18th hole at Bethpage Black. If you ask about the other 17, I might tell you I misplaced my scorecard.
~ The first round of our journey took place at Paramount Country Club. It’s a private club, but if you can ever find a way to play it – do it. The course has numerous stunning holes visually and it’s a challenge on all fronts. Bring your best putting effort as each of the greens has Kardashian-like curves and they move quick.
~ The trip also reaffirmed my desire to be a better player. If you’ve read some of my Operation Don’t Suck posts you know I’ve taken a few lessons and continue to work on my game. My scores are never that pretty…but I can tell you there is a burning inside of me to improve. Trips like this keep me motivated to keep practicing.
~ Finally, a few on the British….
a) When people talk about how Nick Watney is the American with the best chance to win this week it makes me nauseous. I don’t think Watney will ever win a major title. If he wins this week I’ll eat my Adidas golf shoes.
b) If you’re looking for an American to win this week, look toward Fowler. He started well this morning and he’s fearless. Also, why not Mickelson? The man and his short game have a few more great weeks left in the bag.
c) As always, I’ll be pulling for Sergio.
d) Let’s just hope McIlroy doesn’t win this thing by 5 p.m. Friday. I look forward to the four major championship weekends. I value the brilliance of what McIlroy did at Congressional in June – but when it comes to major championship golf…I root for chaos.
